MS Related Fatigue
A 2003 study demonstrated that fatigue is more common than other major symptoms such as: motor difficulties, spasticity, and weakness. The national Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that up to 95% of persons with MS report fatigue as a symptom. Fatigue is reported by people with all types of MS and both genders.
It is the “hidden or invisible symptom” that is not easily seen by others. It is often misinterpreted as a mood disorder or just plain laziness by others.
The Multiple Sclerosis Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines defines fatigue as “lack of physical energy, mental energy, or both: It further breaks it down into two general types.
- Chronic persistent fatigue is described as a “sluggishness” that limits activities for a period 6 weeks or more and occurs for part of the day on at least half of all days.
- Acute fatigue is defined as a new or noticeable worsened fatigue in individuals who have experience chronic persistent fatigue: it can be a marker for the worsening of other MS symptoms.
For those of us with MS, fatigue can be a constant companion, occurring on a daily or almost-daily basis. It also occurs more suddenly in those with MS, tends to come on more easily than in healthy individuals, and can be much more sever. MS-related fatigue is often reported in the morning, even after a restful night’s sleep, and usually worsens over the course of the day. Heat and humidity often make it worse.
There are many non-pharmacologic therapies for MS fatigue.
- occupations therapy
- physical therapy
- sleep regulation (including the use of sleep medications)
- stress management, physiological interventions such as: stress management, psychotherapy, and relaxation therapy
- strategies to manage heat-related fatigue
- fatigue medications
Always consult a medical profession who can recommend the options that are best for you.